Council workers get power to fine

Council officers will now be able to issue fines as part of their duties

Council staff in a part of Nottinghamshire have been given powers to issue on-the-spot fines and issue penalties for anti-social behaviour.

Newark and Sherwood District Council has trained 17 officers to issue fines for offences such as graffiti, dog fouling and dropping litter.

Fines range from £75 for dog fouling and up to £300 for more serious offences such as fly-tipping.

Previously council workers could only advise people to clear up their mess.

The council said the new powers were aimed at making the area cleaner.

Alan Batty from Newark and Sherwood District Council said: "Our officers won't be hiding behind bushes, they'll not be following people.

"They'll be conducting their normal duties and this will be an add-on to those duties.

"So, if they see offences being committed they'll now be able to deal with them."

Advertisement

Offences including dropping litter or graffiti could result in a fine